Youngsters will have a better chance of realising their dreams thanks to a new performing arts college opening.

BN1 Arts, at Vantage Point in New England Road, Brighton, offers free performing arts training diplomas to 16 to 19-year-olds and has been founded by music industry professional, West End performer and educator Mia Bird.

Peter Kyle officially opened the college with a ceremonial ribbon cutting in the company of industry professionals from the West End, TV, gaming and film including Julian Stoneman, a patron of BN1 Arts, known for managing and producing shows such as Billy Elliot, Rock of Ages, and Bat out of Hell.

The first batch of 130 students started in September and the college is already over-subscribed for next year.

The college has launched campaign Keep Creative Arts Education Free to highlight the current barriers to entering creative arts education in the UK.

There will be a petition and the college is hoping to partner with businesses to sponsor various elements of the school.

Bosses say government funding only stretches to a proportion of what it needs.

The college is also raising funds for additional courses for children aged 12 to 16.

“This campaign will raise awareness and advocacy to safeguard the future of creative arts education in the UK,” said Ms Bird.

“Our mission is to offer young people the best arts training in the UK. At BN1 Arts, we deliver traditional tutoring in creative specialties while providing a unique insight into the current trends and demands of the professional performance industry. We equip our students with the mindset and ability to navigate this industry, making them resilient, tenacious, and highly sought after."

Mr Kyle praised the endeavour.

“Coming here to BN1 Arts tonight you get a flavour of how much energy, perseverance, how much tenacity and clarity of vision it takes to make something like this happen and I am truly grateful to Mia and the team for putting this together,” he said.

“Pathways to further education are shut closed for so many people and we must ensure that every child gets the opportunity to follow their passion in education and keep these pathways open for all children and young people regardless of their background.”